How to Stop a Parent from Harassing You Online

Everyone · How-to · Updated October 1, 2026 · LearnLife Editorial

What should you prepare before trying to stop a parent’s online harassment?

Before acting, it’s crucial to prepare carefully to protect yourself. Begin by collecting evidence of the harassment: save screenshots, emails, texts, and any messages that show the abusive behavior. For example, save screenshots of threatening or insulting messages from your parent in a secure folder on your device or cloud storage that only you can access. Keep records organized by date and platform to make reviewing easier if you need help later.

Next, review the privacy and security settings on every social media or messaging platform involved. Change your profile visibility to private or friends-only so only people you approve can see your posts or contact you. On Facebook, for example, you can adjust settings so strangers cannot send you messages or friend requests. On Instagram, switch to a private account and use the block or restrict features for specific users.

Understand your rights by researching local laws relating to online harassment and family abuse. While laws vary by state, many provide protections against online harassment regardless of who the harasser is. You can contact local legal aid organizations or domestic violence agencies for guidance.

Finally, identify trusted people in your life — such as friends, other family members, counselors, or support groups — who can offer emotional support and help you stay safe. Let them know about the harassment so they are aware and can assist if needed.

How can you clearly communicate to your parent that their behavior is unacceptable?

If you feel safe, telling your parent directly that their behavior is unacceptable can sometimes stop the harassment. Use calm, clear, and firm language. Here are some examples you might say or write:

• “I do not want to receive messages from you that upset or hurt me. Please stop.”
• “Your messages make me feel disrespected and unsafe. I need you to respect my privacy.”
• “If you continue to contact me this way, I will have to take further steps to protect myself.”

Writing a message rather than speaking in person can help you organize your thoughts and keep the conversation focused. For example, you might send an email or text message: “Hi [Parent’s Name], I am asking you to stop sending me messages that make me feel upset or harassed. If this continues, I will have to block you. Please respect my wishes.”

Avoid blaming language or insults, which can escalate the conflict. If you worry your parent might react angrily or dangerously, skip this step and focus on technological and legal protections instead.

How do you use technology to block or limit your parent’s harassment online?

Technology offers many tools to help you stop unwanted contact. Follow these steps to secure your online presence:

1. Set strict privacy settings: Change your social media profiles to private or “friends only” so only approved users can see your content. Review settings regularly, as apps update them often.
2. Block your parent’s accounts: Use the block feature on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and messaging apps to stop your parent from seeing your posts or sending messages.
3. Mute notifications: If you want to avoid seeing messages without alerting the sender, mute or silence notifications from their accounts on apps like WhatsApp or Messenger.
4. Change passwords and enable two-factor authentication: If your parent knows your passwords, change them immediately. Two-factor authentication adds a second verification step, making it harder for others to access your accounts.
5. Log out from shared devices: If you share a computer or phone, always log out of your accounts, clear browser history, and avoid saving passwords.
6. Block phone calls and texts: Use your phone’s built-in features to block your parent’s phone number. On many phones, you can add their number to a block list or set “Do Not Disturb” modes that silence calls and texts.
7. Create new accounts if necessary: If harassment is relentless, consider creating new social media profiles with strict privacy settings and share these only with trusted contacts. Be cautious about who you add to avoid new harassment.

For example, if your parent creates multiple Instagram accounts to send messages, block each account as you identify them, and report suspicious new accounts to the platform.

What steps should you take if harassment continues despite blocking and boundary-setting?

If harassment does not stop after blocking and requests to cease, take additional steps:

• Report the harassment to the platform: Use the “Report” or “Flag” feature to notify social media or app providers. Include evidence such as dates and screenshots. Platforms have policies against harassment and can suspend or delete offending accounts.
• Contact local law enforcement: If messages become threatening or stalking-like, file a police report. Provide your documentation and explain your situation clearly. Law enforcement can take action to protect you.
• Seek legal advice: Consult a lawyer or your local legal aid office about protective or restraining orders. These legal tools can prohibit your parent from contacting you online or in person.
• Use counseling or mediation services: In some cases, involving a neutral third party may help resolve family conflicts. This is only advisable if you feel safe and are willing to participate.

For example, if a parent sends repeated threatening messages, reporting to the platform and police while obtaining a restraining order can create clear legal boundaries supported by the justice system.

How do you recognize that your efforts to stop harassment are working?

You can tell your actions are effective when:

• Harassing messages, calls, or comments decrease significantly or stop.
• You no longer receive unwanted notifications or contact from your parent online.
• You feel more secure and less anxious about your digital space.
• Your social media and messaging accounts feel private and controlled.

Keep a simple log to track incidents and your responses:

If these positive changes occur, your approach is working. If harassment continues unabated, reassess your strategy and seek more help.

What should you do if the situation worsens or doesn’t improve?

If harassment worsens or your parent tries to bypass blocks using new accounts or devices, prioritize your safety:

• Alert your trusted support network so they know what’s happening and can help if needed.
• Avoid responding to provocations, as this may encourage further harassment.
• Consider changing your phone number, email addresses, and social media handles.
• Contact law enforcement or a lawyer about protective orders or other legal protections.
• Seek counseling or mental health support to manage stress or trauma from ongoing harassment.

If you ever feel threatened or unsafe, call 911 or reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988) for immediate support.

How can these steps be adapted for different audiences and situations?

For minors or teenagers, involve non-harassing adults like other family members, school counselors, or child protective services early. Adults in caregiving roles can help set up parental controls or monitor accounts for safety. Use resources like How to explain online harassment to a child to help young people understand and cope.

Adults may have more legal options available, such as filing restraining orders without parental involvement. Emotional support from friends, counselors, or support groups remains vital.

People who share devices or rely on caregivers may need additional privacy protections, such as separate user accounts or trusted advocates to help manage technology settings.

No matter who you are, maintaining your mental health by seeking professional help or support groups is essential. Customize communication and safety plans based on your unique situation to increase effectiveness.

Frequently asked questions

Can I legally stop a parent from contacting me online?

Depending on your state laws, you can seek protective orders that prevent unwanted contact from a parent online. Legal advice and documentation of harassment will support your case.

What if my parent uses fake accounts to keep harassing me?

Monitor your accounts closely and report new abusive accounts to platforms. Tighten privacy settings and, if needed, create new accounts shared only with trusted people. Inform your support network about ongoing harassment.

Should I respond to my parent’s messages during harassment?

Generally, avoid responding, as replies can encourage further harassment. If you respond, keep your messages brief and focused on setting boundaries without engaging in arguments.

How do I protect shared devices from unauthorized access?

Use separate user profiles, strong passwords, and log out after use. Avoid saving passwords and clear browsing history regularly. On phones, enable biometric locks and do not share passwords.

Can online harassment by a parent affect my mental health?

Yes. Harassment can cause anxiety, stress, and depression. Seek support from mental health professionals, trusted friends, or support groups to help manage these effects.

Are parental controls useful if the parent is the harasser?

Parental controls may help if managed by someone other than the harassing parent. If the harasser controls these settings, consider outside help and explore device-specific privacy options.